Controller, Accounting, & Financial Operations

First Book; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance coverage

Life insurance and AD&D coverage

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays annually

401(k) retirement plan with employer-m

Parking stipend

Job summary

First Book is seeking a Controller, Accounting & Financial Operations in Washington, DC to lead day-to-day accounting, GAAP compliance, and financial reporting for a nonprofit education-focused organization.

You will partner with Finance leadership to develop budgets, forecasts, and analyses, oversee audits, internal controls, and systems, and manage a growing accounting team in a hybrid office setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• Active CPA license in good standing is required.
• MBA or MAcc degree is preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including senior-level roles, is required.
• Experience with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting (grants, contributions, restricted funds).
• Demonstrated history of owning the financial close, audits, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations: GL, AP, AR, fixed assets, inventory, revenue recognition.
• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual close with GAAP-compliant reporting.
• Partner with Leadership to develop budgets, forecasts, and financial models.
• Develop metrics evaluating cost structures, pricing, margins, and program financials.
• Strengthen internal controls and segregation of duties; manage reconciliations.
• Oversee audits and coordinate with tax advisors for regulatory reporting.
• Lead the accounting team and drive automation for scalable processes.
• Manage cash, banking relationships, and liquidity planning.

Skills

GAAP & nonprofit accounting

Financial analysis

Budgeting & forecasting

Audits & internal controls

Staff supervision

Excel proficiency

Accounting systems automation

Communication with leadership

Inventory accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA license

MBA or MAcc preferred

Tools

Excel

Accounting software

Job description

ABOUT FIRST BOOK

First Book is a leading nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to removing barriers to quality education for children in need. Through innovative public–private partnerships and a national network of more than 600,000 educators, program leaders, and community organizations, First Book has distributed over 250 million books and educational resources to under‑resourced communities. Our work spans e‑commerce (First Book Marketplace), research and insights (First Book R&I), and tailored program development (First Book Accelerator), all designed to elevate the voices and needs of educators serving children in low‑income communities.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Controller, Accounting & Financial Operations is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, timeliness, and scalability of First Book’s accounting and financial reporting functions. This role leads the day‑to‑day accounting operation and serves as a key financial partner to Finance and organizational leadership, ensuring that financial information supports sound operational and strategic decision‑making.

WHAT YOU’LL OWN

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, inventory, and revenue recognition.
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, delivering accurate and timely financial statements, management reporting, and Board‑level reporting in compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable nonprofit requirements.
• Partner with Finance leadership and business/program leaders to develop budgets, forecasts, financial models, and operating plans; lead variance analysis and translate results into actionable insights for management.
• Develop meaningful financial and operating metrics and evaluate cost structures, pricing, margins, and the financial implications of new programs, partnerships, and revenue opportunities.
• Design, implement, and continuously strengthen internal controls, including segregation of duties, approval processes, and reconciliations.
• Monitor compliance with financial, tax, regulatory, and contractual requirements; identify financial and operational risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Lead the annual financial statement audit and partner with external tax advisors on tax filings and required regulatory reporting.
• Oversee accounting and financial systems, ensuring data integrity and driving automation and scalable processes.
• Oversee cash management, banking relationships, cash forecasting, and liquidity planning.
• Lead, supervise, and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and financial stewardship.
• Serve as a trusted financial resource across the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in good standing required.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Accounting (MAcc) preferred.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of ten years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including a senior‑level finance or accounting position, required; prior Controller and/or nonprofit accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting, including contributions, grants, restricted funds, and revenue recognition.
• Proven experience owning the financial close, leading annual audits, and designing and maintaining internal controls.
• Experience developing budgets, forecasts, and financial models, including during a period of organizational growth.
• Exceptional financial analysis skills, including variance, margin, working capital, and cash flow analysis.
• Experience implementing or optimizing accounting systems and automating financial processes.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing accounting staff.
• Ability to communicate financial results and recommendations clearly to non‑financial stakeholders, executive leadership, and the Board.
• Experience with inventory accounting or earned‑revenue/e‑commerce business lines preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; proficiency with Word and PowerPoint.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary Range: $125,000 (non‑negotiable).

All Full‑time Employees Are Eligible For The Following:

• Medical and dental insurance coverage.
• Life insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays annually.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
• Employer‑provided parking stipend (Washington, DC).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

First Book is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, District of Columbia, or local law.

ACCOMMODATIONS

First Book is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants requiring accommodations during the application or interview process should submit a written request to First Book's Human Resources department.

WORK PRESENCE & EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

• This is a hybrid position requiring regular in‑office presence at First Book’s Washington, DC office on designated days to support internal collaboration and partnership activities.
• Relocation assistance is not provided.

EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION, SPONSORSHIP, AND ACCURACY OF ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and must maintain valid work authorization throughout their employment.

First Book does not sponsor employment‑based visas or participate in immigration programs that require employer‑specific obligations, such as training plans, reporting requirements, or compliance filings.

MISREPRESENTATION OF EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

Falsification, omission, or misrepresentation of any information related to employment eligibility, work authorization status, or visa classification will disqualify a candidate from further consideration. If such misrepresentation is discovered after an offer has been extended, First Book reserves the right to withdraw the offer. If discovered after employment begins, it may result in immediate termination.

Candidates are required to provide truthful, accurate, and complete information regarding their work authorization status at the time of application and throughout the hiring process. Any change in work authorization status must be reported to First Book immediately.